As a Florida homeowner, if there’s one pest you should always be on the lookout for–it’s termites! Termites can do serious damage to homes as they tunnel and eat through wood, walls, and even the foundation of your home. Termites can be silent destroyers, keeping a low profile until damage is already done. However, one time when they do come out is swarming season. In this blog we’ll review what swarming season is, when it happens for different types of termites, and the signs so you can keep your home and property safe.
Think you have a termite problem? Don’t wait, give us a call today!
What is termite swarming?
Termite swarming refers to the time of year when termite colonies produce large numbers of winged reproductive termites called “swarmers” or “alates.” These termites leave their mature colonies to pair off and mate, in an attempt to establish new colonies. Swarms can contain anywhere from dozens to hundreds of termites depending on the species. The scary thing is, if you see a swarm in your home, that means the original mature colony is around 3-5 years old. Meaning you’ve already had termites silently doing damage for years!
What are the signs of termite swarming?
Besides seeing the winged termites flying around windows, doors, or light fixtures, you might find discarded wings near windows or doors inside to indicate a swarm. Other signs of a termite infestation can include:
- Mud tubes on foundation walls, support piers, sill plates, or floor joists.
- Piles of termite droppings (“frass”) that resemble sawdust near infested wood.
- Blistered or hollow-sounding wood.
- Small holes in drywall or plaster.
If you see signs of swarming, make sure to call a pest control specialist right away to address the colony and prevent new ones from forming.
When is termite swarming season in Florida?
In general, termite swarming season in Florida spans from late winter through summer, with different species swarming at different times within that period. The exact timing can vary a bit from year to year based on weather conditions, but swarms usually occur on warm, humid days or evenings after rainfall. While individual swarms only last about 30-40 minutes, the swarming period for a colony can span several weeks. Here are the swarming season months for the four main types of termites here in South Florida:
- Subterranean termite swarms: February – May
- Formosan subterranean termite swarms: Late April – Early May
- Asian subterranean termites swarms: Early March – May
- Drywood termite swarms: March – August (peak activity from May – June)
Don’t let termites eat you out of house and home. Stay safe this swarming season! If you’re dealing with a termite infestation at your home, or if you just want peace of mind, contact Nozzle Nolen right away so we can determine the best treatment or prevention plan for you.
